TABC suspends Marble Falls bar’s license due to fatal wreck in 2014
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission suspended the alcohol license at Mr. B's Sports Bar, 207 Main St. in Marble Falls, from April 4-24 due to an investigation into a fatal accident on Sept. 21, 2014. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
FROM STAFF REPORTS
MARBLE FALLS — A Marble Falls bar will have to close its operations for 20 days in April after the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission suspended its alcohol license due to an investigation into a 2014 car accident that left a Granite Shoals woman dead.
According to TABC officials, Mr. B’s Sports Bar, 207 Main St., will not be able to sell alcohol for 20 days from April 4-24. The bar faces an additional 28-day suspension from June 28-July 25 or a fine of $8,400.
The TABC suspension is related to a two-car collision Sept. 21, 2014, in Marble Falls that killed 47-year-old Sandra Hart of Granite Shoals. The accident occurred at about 2:20 a.m. that day when a 2003 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by Matthew Lewallen crossed into Hart’s path. The two cars slammed into each other.
“The officers, in the course of working that crash, detected that the driver, who they believed to be intoxicated, had become so while drinking at Mr. B’s Sports Bar,” said Marble Falls Police Capt. Glenn Hanson. “TABC was notified of that, and they made an investigation, apart and separate from our investigation of the charge of intoxication manslaughter.”
In September 2015, Lewallen pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, which was probated in February 2016.
A passenger in Lewallen’s truck was arrested at the time of the accident and charged with public intoxication.
The TABC investigation determined the bar had sold alcohol to Lewallen even though he was intoxicated, officials said.
Hanson said the TABC issued the 20-day suspension in connection to the case of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle.
“Lock the door and do no business for 20 days,” the captain said.
The 28-day suspension is due to the serving of alcohol to an intoxicated person, though the business can opt to pay an $8,400 civil penalty instead, Hanson added
Hanson said he hopes other businesses that sell alcohol will take note of Mr. B’s TABC case.
“We don’t want impaired drivers on the road. It kills people,” Hanson said. “Watch what you are doing because there are agencies out there watching what you are doing.”
Go to tabc.state.tx.us to learn more about alcohol requirements. Look for the “Public Inquiry” tab at the top of the page to look up infractions by establishment or community.
editor@thepicayune.com
2 thoughts on “TABC suspends Marble Falls bar’s license due to fatal wreck in 2014”
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I remember before all of the bars were added that the reason people did not want them is for this exact reason. people leaving intoxicated and killing innocent drivers
I’m thankful to see the effects and real impact drinking and driving has on our community and our state. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the members of law enforcement who keep a close eye on these businesses and people who choose to break the law.